The characters in the Matrix assist in producing a high-quality film. The costumes are interesting, and symbolise different groups- the agents all wear the same suits and people from Zion entering the Matrix all wear sleek, black leather, forming a cool collected image.
Other valuable features of the film include effective cinematic imagery such as Trinity holding the gun to an agent’s head before saying ‘Dodge this.’ This is ironic, as Neo has just been dodging bullets shot by the same agent. Another example of effective cinematic entertainment is the lobby scene as Neo and Trinity attempt to rescue Morpheus. When asked to remove any metal items they open their long jackets to reveal masses of guns. They then go on to fight many security guards. This is good because when they open their jackets you are both shocked and amazed.
The Matrix is littered with remarkable scenes such as these that help to make it the great film it is. But, the Matrix can also be viewed on a deeper level, seen as a film exploring philosophy and religion.
The Matrix plot can be interpreted in many different ways. An underlining feature is of course philosophy. The Matrix makes you question what is real. Is the Matrix really a computer-generated program? And then, what about Zion? Who is free and who is not? You can ask endless questions concerning the film. A highlighted part of the film must be when Thomas Anderson is released from the matrix, when he is ‘unplugged.’ Suddenly, everything he perceives to be real has changed. He has basically been told that all he ever believed in is no longer real; it’s just an illusion.
This can be seen in a way such as ‘the cave’ that Socrates and Plato studied. Part of this philosophical debate is the question ‘what is real?’ Neo faces this question when he is released from the Matrix into the ‘real’ world. Socrates questions our beliefs, asking what is the reality. Do we make things exist because we perceive them? Just as Socrates wrote about the allegory of the cave, we can view the allegory of the Matrix in similar terms to explain these philosophical teachings. One question above all is ‘how do we know?’ This all depends on belief. Plato taught that belief may be true some or most of the time but occasionally is wrong. In the case of the Matrix, Neo’s belief in what he assumed was real is shattered when he takes the red pill, yet at the same time, a new belief is formed. A perfect example of philosophy in the film is the quote ‘Do you think that’s air that you are breathing?’ Morpheus is questioning Neo’s beliefs just as Socrates did when discussing ideas.
From Morpheus, Neo learns that ‘the mind makes it real.’ One philosophical theme that appeals throughout the film is of man attempting to find himself and the real truth. Neo’s conversation with the Oracle and his constant stream of questions help to show this want of truth and knowledge.
The Matrix also contains many religious allegories. It features both Christianity and Buddhism in many parts. This can be see as coincidence, but when studied, it seems also impossible to have so many connections and links and still be a coincidence.
Almost all characters in the Matrix have religious significance in the Christian religion. To begin with the obvious, Neo is clearly Jesus Christ. In the Matrix he has been shown to be the ‘one’ to save the world. It is, therefore, no accident that ‘Neo’ is an anagram of o-n-e. Before Neo enters the real world he is known as Thomas Anderson. It is clear of the link almost instantly when Choi says, “You’re my saviour, my own personal Jesus Christ”. This name is also significant! Thomas can be seen as doubting Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples. In the Matrix when Neo receives the mobile phone in a package he doubts Morpheus, and again when he takes the red pill he still doubts. Neo’s surname, ‘Anderson’ is of importance in Greek language. When translated it means ‘son of man, and as Neo can also be translated to mean ‘new’, neo is therefore the new son of man, he is Jesus coming once more. There are also other connections between Neo and Christ, which I will mention later.
Morpheus can be perceived as John the Baptist, hailing the coming of the ‘one’- Jesus or Neo. The Nebuchadnezzar crew are the equivalent of Jesus’ disciples, including the betrayer, Judas, as Cypher, and the Brothers Peter and Andrew featured as Tank and Dozer. Other significant names or places include Zion, which clearly symbolises Jerusalem, Apoc who is clearly the Apocalypse, and Trinity, whose name simply states her part in the Christian allegory. Greek elements of the play incorporate names which when translated have significance to the play. Morpheus was a God of the dream world. But no, it’s not yet another coincidence. It is he who tells Neo about the Matrix and of how it is just a dream, just a computer program.
Many parts of Jesus’ life are parallel to Neo’s life and journey within the Matrix. These include a virgin birth. As Jesus was born to Virgin Mary, Neo is ‘born’ in a pod, therefore having never experienced a proper birth. This can be interpreted as a virgin birth like Jesus’. Neither have been born, instead they have both been ‘created’. A few other aspects of Jesus’ life that Neo shares are the foretelling of death and resurrection, sacrifice, a radiant presence and greater strength after resurrection, and the ascension to heaven. Jesus foretold his own resurrection, telling his disciples that he must be killed to save others. Neo’s death and resurrection is foretold be the Oracle in a slightly less bold approach. The Oracle tells Neo he has the gift but maybe he is waiting for something. He asks ‘what?’ and she replies, “Your next life, maybe…” Neo’s resurrection can be read in a very Christian way. Instead this quote can be interpreted as portraying Buddhism and reincarnation. The number 303 is apparent on screen as Neo dies. This could symbolise the three days passing before Jesus rose again. It is as Trinity kisses Neo that he wakes up. Here if we view Trinity as the Trinity, her kiss can be seen as the kiss of life, the trinity saving him from death. The final scene of the Matrix shows Neo ascending to the skies after saying, “Now it’s up to you.” He is clearly addressing the human race, talking about their freedom. This final phrase is similar to Jesus’ message. Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins; it was up to us what we did with the freedom. The ascension closes the film, a rather appropriate ending, fitting perfectly with Jesus’ final ascension.
Other possible Christian themes that run through the film include Neo as Moses leading people out of captivity. Neo can also be seen as a Jewish Messiah.
Throughout the film Buddhist teachings also feature. Samsara is the constant and endless cycle of death and rebirth to which the material world is bound. This aspect of Buddhism is present from the beginning of film. Billions of humans, unaware of the illusion they are living, are supported by and support AI. The Buddhist idea of Samsara teaches that the world we live in is dependant on the sensory projections of our own mind. Morpheus explains to Neo that the world in which we live exists only as a computer simulation known as the Matrix. He goes on to explain the damage to the world. Neo is only able to accept this as he recognises the false nature of reality. Both Buddhism and the Matrix teach this, and say that we need to relinquish our mistaken identity.
Humans’ enormous desire to believe in what they perceive as real to be in fact real is so great it overcomes Cypher, who asks to be reinserted into the Matrix.
“You know, I know this steak doesn’t exist. I know that
when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my
my brain it is juicy and delicious. After nine years, you
know what I realise? Ignorance is bliss.”
This quote is a perfect example of human desire and the Buddhist teachings of Samsara. Obviously, this desire and ignorance is preferable to reality for some people. Cypher and Mouse represent what happens when someone gives in to Samsara, whereas the Nebuchadnezzar crew are ideal illustrations of the restraint and composure praised by Buddha. The crew’s way of life is a faultless example of the Middle Way taught by the Buddha in Buddhism.
The Matrix could also suggest Neo as Buddha. He is set apart from other crewmembers. His identity is reinforced not only by the anagram of his name as o-n-e but also by the foretelling by the Oracle and the preaching of Morpheus. Another Buddhist teaching that appears in the Matrix is that of reincarnation. Neo is reincarnated at least four times in the film; firstly in the pre-history of the film, secondly as Neo’s life as Thomas Anderson, thirdly as he is unplugged and woken into the Matrix and then finally as he is killed by agents before being resurrected/ reincarnated following Trinity’s kiss of life.
Although the film can be viewed in many different ways, religiously, philosophically or purely for entertainment, it has one final, underlying message. ‘Wake up.’ It is encouraging us to think for ourselves, to explore what we once thought of as real. Maybe it’s yet another coincidence, but the final soundtrack was titled ‘Wake up,’ and performed by a band known as ‘Rage against the Machine.’ This seems rather appropriate, considering the plot.
I would sum up the film as having one over-riding theme- the theme of a single truth and a single path to find it. As Morpheus said to Neo, “I can only show you the door, you have to walk through it!”
